How to Make Your Listing Strong: Step-by-Step

A strong listing helps users see what makes your camp or service the right choice. With the right photos, descriptions, and details, you can stand out and turn views into enquiries. This guide shares simple tips to make your listing more effective.

Before you start

Important: A free listing only allows for a title, description, 3 images, 1 tag, 1 category and an email form. For access to all features, please upgrade to a premium listing.

Gather 10–20 strong photos, website URL, phone number, social links, and any video links. A premium listing lets you add up to;

• 20 images
• 4 categories
• 20 tags (keywords)
• Your website
• Phone number
• Social links
• An embedded video.

Boosting your profile

You can help raise the ranking of your listing on School Camps NZ by adding a link back from your website. If you would like a badge, you can use the one below.

1. Right click on the badge and save as to download it.
2. Add it to your website – it should work on any colour background.
3. Link the badge to your listing.
4. Any problems, just ask!

Accessing the form

Before you start, you need to have registered an account and have either claimed a listing or created a listing that has already been approved.

Step 1: Organisation Name (Title)

What to enter:

Your official organisation or camp name. If you operate multiple sites using the same brand, also add the location in brackets.

How to write it well:

• Use your correct brand casing (Don’t use all capital letters).
• Keep it short and clear, ideally under ~60 characters.
• Avoid slogans, emojis, and marketing fluff.
• If you’re a sub-site of a larger org, put the specific site first.

Good examples:

“Manaia Baptist Camp (Whangārei Heads)”

“Berwick Lodge (Otago Youth Adventure Trust)”

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Adding taglines like “Best Camp for Schools in NZ”
• Stuffing keywords or locations that are not relevant
• Using acronyms only locals know

Quick check before moving on:

✔ Official name confirmed
✔ Location added if you have multiple sites
✔ Spelling and casing correct

Step 2: Address & Map

What to enter:

Your camp’s full street address. Once you type it in, the system will automatically drop a map pin.

How to make it accurate:

• Enter the full street address, not just the town name.
• After it loads, zoom in and drag the pin if it isn’t quite right.
• For rural properties, make sure the pin lands on your actual entrance, not the middle of the road or paddock.
• If your camp is tricky to find, add directions later in your description.
• Double-check the map on mobile, that’s what most teachers and parents will be using.

Quick check before moving on:

✔ Address entered correctly
✔ Pin shows the right entrance
✔ Map displays properly on preview

Step 3: Categories (up to 4)

What to enter:

Choose up to four categories that best describe your camp or service. These are the main ways users will filter and find you.

How to choose well:

• Always start with the most accurate primary category (e.g., Campgrounds or Outdoor Education Providers).
• Add secondary categories that genuinely apply (e.g., Activity Operators, Clubs).
• Don’t tick everything “just in case”, it can hurt search results and confuse users.
• Think about what a user would click when they’re looking for a place like yours.
• If you’re unsure, fewer accurate categories are better than too many loose fits.

Quick check before moving on:

✔ Primary category chosen carefully
✔ Only relevant secondary categories ticked
✔ No “overloading” with unrelated categories

Step 4: Tags / Keywords (up to 20)

What to enter:

Add up to 20 tags that describe your activities, facilities, and unique features. Tags on your listing are like keywords that search engines associate with your listing that make it easier to find.

How to choose effective tags:

• Select from existing tag options before creating any new ones. We don’t want double ups!
• Use plain words teachers or parents would type, such as archery, bunkrooms, kayaking, Whangārei.
• Include regional names (nearby towns, landmarks).
• Add age ranges if relevant (primary, intermediate, secondary).
• Do not repeat your categories. Keep tags for extra detail.
• Avoid jargon that only your staff would understand.
• Think: “If I was a someone searching for a camp, what words would I type?”

Quick check before moving on:

✔ Tags cover activities, facilities, and location
✔ No duplicates or category repeats
✔ Written in simple, search-friendly language

Step 5: Description (Full text editor)

Important: Text needs to be original. Copying and pasting from other listings will not help your search engine rankings.

What to enter:

A clear and detailed description of your camp or service. With a premium listing you can use headings, bullet points, and links to make it easy to read.

How to structure it:

• Overview: Who your camp suits and where you are based.
• Activities and programmes: Outline the main options, mention curriculum links if relevant.
• Facilities and accommodation: Describe sleeping areas, dining spaces, halls, bathrooms.
• Safety and qualifications: Include details about RAMS, staff training, or supervision ratios.
• Accessibility and catering: Note wheelchair access, dietary support, or special needs provisions.
• Booking information: Outline seasons, availability, or group sizes.

Tips for writing it well:

• Break text into short paragraphs.
• Use bullet points for lists to make details easy to scan.
• Keep language straightforward and useful for teachers.

Quick check before moving on:

✔ Overview is clear
✔ Activities, facilities, and safety all included
✔ Easy to skim with headings and bullet points

Step 6: Photo Gallery (up to 20 images)

What to enter:

Upload up to 20 photos that showcase your camp, facilities, and activities.

Requirements:

• Must be under 3mb each.
• Supported image formats: .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .gif, .webp

How to make them effective:

• Use landscape oriented images for the best fit.
• Start with a strong “hero” image that represents your camp.
• Show accommodation: cabins, dorms, or lodges.
• Include dining and kitchen facilities.
• Highlight group spaces such as halls or classrooms.
• Feature activities in action, with students taking part if you have permission.
• Add outdoor areas: fields, bush, water access, or special features.
• Use clear, well-lit photos.
• Keep a balance of indoor and outdoor shots.
• Avoid heavy text or watermarks across images.

Quick check before moving on:

✔ Photos are in the required image format and file size
✔ Hero image chosen
✔ Facilities and activities covered
✔ Photos are bright, clear, and up to date

Step 7: Website Link

What to enter:

Add the full URL to your organisation’s website, eg; https://schoolcamps.co.nz

How to make it work best:

• Link directly to the page most useful for schools if your homepage is broad.
• Use the full link, starting with https://.
• Test the link after saving to make sure it opens correctly.
• A direct link saves users time and gives them confidence in your camp.

Quick check before moving on:

✔ Link is entered correctly
✔ URL starts with https://
✔ Opens to the right page

Step 8: Phone Number

What to enter:

Add the main phone number where people can reach you.

How to make it effective:

• Use a number that is monitored during normal office hours.
• If you have multiple lines, choose the one best for enquiries and bookings.
• Don’t add an extension, as the phone number is linked for smartphones. Rely on your welcome message.
• People phoning often want to speak with someone quickly, so ideally, make sure the number is monitored.
• If you prefer email first, you can still list the phone number but note your preferred contact method in the description.

Quick check before moving on:

✔ Correct number entered
✔ Format is clear and easy to read
✔ Calls will be answered during office hours

Step 9: Social Media Links

What to enter:

Add the links to your camp’s official social media pages.

How to use them well:

• Include platforms that users are most likely to check, such as Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok or YouTube.
• Paste the full URL so the link works properly.
• Only add accounts you keep active and up to date.
• Social media gives users a sense of your camp’s atmosphere and recent activities.
• A short video or photo album on these platforms can help bring your camp to life.

Quick check before moving on:

✔ Correct links entered
✔ Only official accounts used
✔ Profiles are active and suitable for users to view

Step 10: Video Embed

What to enter:

Paste the link to a video hosted on YouTube or Vimeo that showcases your camp.

How to make it effective:

• Keep the video short and engaging, ideally under two minutes.
• Focus on showing activities, facilities, and the camp environment.
• Make sure the video is good quality and easy to watch on both desktop and mobile.
• A video tour helps users picture what students will experience.
• Use captions or simple narration if possible, as some viewers may watch without sound.

Quick check before moving on:

✔ Correct video link entered
✔ Video highlights key features
✔ Plays clearly on mobile devices

Step 11: Final Checks

What to do before you submit:

• Use the Preview option to see how your listing will look.
• Check all spelling and grammar in your description.
• Make sure your map pin is in the right spot.
• Test every link (website, social media, video).
• Look through your photo gallery on mobile to confirm images are clear and sized correctly.
• A polished, accurate listing builds trust before they even contact you.
• Fixing small errors now saves back-and-forth later.

Quick check before moving on:

✔ Description is clear and professional
✔ Links, phone number, and map all work
✔ Photos and video look good on mobile

Step 12: Submit and Update

What to do:

• Once you are happy with your preview, click Submit.
• Your listing will be reviewed and then published.

Keeping your listing fresh:

• Update photos if the existing ones show facilities that are no longer available or have been upgraded since the photo was taken.
• Add or adjust tags when you introduce new activities or features.
• Replace or refresh your video if you create a better one.
• Review your description each year to make sure details are correct.
• A well-maintained listing shows users that you are active and reliable.
• Up-to-date information helps users plan with confidence.

Quick check:

✔ Listing submitted for review
✔ Plan set to refresh photos, tags, and details regularly